Players competing in the Champions League and Europa League this month will wear shirts carrying the words ‘Thank You’, in recognition of key workers’ efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Champions League and Europa League competitions are due to return this week and later this month will culminate in mini-tournaments held in Portugal and Germany respectively.
Uefa are delighted their flagship events can return, but are keen to pay tribute to the work of key workers on the frontlines during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a result, teams competing in the Champions League and Europa League - which from the Premier League includes Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Wolves - will wear shirts carrying the words ‘Thank You’ in their team’s chosen language during matches.
In addition to the words of gratitude printed on each team’s shirts, dedicated TV spots will be broadcast during Uefa matches, in which players representing teams competing in the men’s and women’s Champions Leagues, as well as the Europa League, express their own thanks in person.
Furthermore, at this month's round of 16 matches in the Champions League, Europa League and Uefa Youth League – as well as the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals – a minute’s silence will be observed before kick-off to honour all victims of the pandemic.
“I am delighted that our competitions are back, but we must not forget the people whose dedication and personal sacrifices have given us the opportunity to start playing again,” said Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin on Monday.
“Football’s gratitude is not limited to words. This unprecedented period has taught us that football really can be an important vehicle for good."
In addition to the ‘Thank You’ message on their shirts, the captains taking part in Uefa club competitions in August are expected to wear ‘No to Racism’ armbands as a reminder of Uefa and European football’s united opposition to any kind of discrimination, whether in sport or wider society.
